Letter: Act defies good conscience

I am a medical student in Shreveport, and I have dedicated my life to ensuring that the people of my home state are healthy, safe and happy. I would like to think that my work is beneficial to every resident, and not just the majority. This is why I sincerely urge our state legislators to vote against House Bill 707, the Marriage and Conscience Act.

My entire career is built on the foundation that all people deserve equal care. I would not be doing my job as a caretaker of Louisianians if I did not protect and care for all of my patients and not just my Christian and heterosexual ones.

Religious freedom is important. I agree with this statement, and I believe that our country was built on religious freedom.

Unfortunately, this idea is being used to justify discrimination. Religious freedom means that all citizens should be welcomed and treated fairly, regardless of their religious beliefs. Religious freedom means that gay and transgender people should receive the same benefits and rights as any other citizen, regardless of whether or not they hold the same religious beliefs as the next citizen. Religious freedom does not mean that I have the right to discriminate against someone simply because I disagree with their religious values.

It is frustrating and disheartening to learn that in America, we are still marginalizing a group of people down to such a subhuman level that we can hang signs in our windows which refuse to allow them into our establishments. This is not the America that stands up for the rights and protection of its citizens. This is not the America that once existed. This is not an America that I can be proud of.

I hope the state legislature considers my words, and that they take a careful look at House Bill 707.

Carri Oubre

Shreveport

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